Interview with Jewelry Designer Peggy Li

It’s the detail work that goes by unnoticed until you stop to look or someone points it out. Have you noticed the jewelry your favorite TV show character wears, or is it that the beautiful outfit befits the beautiful heroine? Jewelry designer Peggy Li handcrafts gorgeous creations and her pieces have graced strong, beautiful women on television in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Without a Trace and Grey’s Anatomy. Her designs even made a jump to the big screen in last summer’s hit movie Superbad. Peggy followed her heart, changing her life course from Chemical Engineering at UC Berkeley to creating captivating jewelry, and she succeeded with soaring colors.

“I enjoy designing handmade jewelry, making things that help women feel beautiful. When women feel beautiful, they feel powerful and have more confidence.”

When did you realize that Chemical Engineering was not the career for you? Why jewelry?

I realized it wasn’t for me when I was struggling with my physics classes in college. I have always been interested in so many different things, from literature to botany to cooking to crafts. Jewelry was something I had always played with over the years. It’s so easy to begin making jewelry; the startup costs are low and the result can happen quickly and is so fun!

Your designs are simple yet beautiful. How do you manage to balance the two?

Thank you! My jewelry is really a reflection of my own style. I like things simple, with clean lines and quality materials. The natural materials I use I think are so beautiful they can often stand on their own, so I let them.

What was the first television show to feature your jewelry? How did you feel about seeing your piece on TV?

“Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” was the first show to use my designs. It was wild to see them on TV, knowing I had made those pieces with my own hands, and on a show that I loved!

Superbad has as a huge fanbase - how do you feel about being a part of that?

Fantastic! When I was told that the project was “Superbad”, at first I had no idea what the film was. As it got closer to the premiere, I began getting an idea of how big this movie would be. It was awesome to know I’d be a part of it.

How did your jewelry make its way to the big screen? (were you notified about it beforehand?)

Yes — a costume designer I’ve worked a few times with tapped me for her work on this movie. I am forever grateful!

Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry? Favorite material to work with?

I have no favorites! Usually my most recent design is my favorite, so that changes fast! Silver is a great material because it is so easy to work with, whether it is wire or sheet, sterling or fine silver. There are many options and it is readily available.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I always say that my inspiration comes from the materials themselves. Beautiful stones and fun charms are always easy to work with. I choose things for their color, unusual shape, or some whimsical idea. Jewelry should be fun and make the wearer happy!

You feature one of a kind pieces on your site - do you feel that it’s important to reuse “used” items?

Absolutely — I love working with vintage items. What’s old can definitely be new again — and there are certainly styles and cuts that will never go out of style. I recycle all my metal scraps and reuse packing materials from all the shipments I constantly get. Not only is it efficient, but it’s good for the planet!

For more about Peggy, click here.

The Crinkled Link Bracelet ($42) is made from small and large beaten circles that provide texture and an eye catching glint in the light. This bracelet lies flat on your wrist so the metal can contrast against your skin. Available in either gold fill or sterling silver, this bracelet invokes an ancient civilization craftsman feel while maintaining a modern presentation. [buy it]

Though small, the Orange Sapphire Cluster Earrings ($110) emit a dazzling energy. Bright orange gems are bound together with either gold vermeil or sterling silver and dangle off a fishhook earring. When worn with an understated outfit, these little fireballs are sure to add some fire to your look. [buy it]

The limited edition Amethyst Bubble Necklace ($59) features a light spectrum catching purple gem that dangles off a gorgeously patterned chain. Available in your choice of length and metal, this necklace empowers women by bringing out their natural beauty. This piece will easily become a favorite in your jewelry collection. [buy it]